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Fri, 24 Apr 2026

Fri, 24 Apr 2026 White House memo claims mass AI theft by Chinese firms

A memo from Michael Kratsios says firms, mainly in China, are wrongfully distilling US AI models.

* The White House has announced plans to work more closely with US AI firms to combat "industrial-scale campaigns" by foreign actors to steal advances in AI technology.
* The administration has new information indicating that foreign entities, primarily based in China, are exploiting American firms through a process called "distillation", which involves copying AI technology developed by US companies.
* The aim of the foreign entities is to "systematically undermine American research and development and access proprietary information".
* To combat this, the White House will do four things: + Monitor and analyze activity related to distillation + Develop new strategies for countering malicious exploitation + Work with AI firms to identify and prevent distillation + Share best practices among US companies to improve detection and mitigation of distillation campaigns
* China's embassy in Washington DC has responded, saying that the country's development is the result of its own dedication and effort as well as international cooperation.
* The White House memo did not detail specific plans for action against foreign entities found to be undertaking distillation of US AI technology.